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Postdoctoral Research Associate- MEMELAND (Molecular Ecology of Medieval European Landscapes) Palynologist

The Institute of Archaeology- 36 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PG

Grade 7 (£39,424 - £47,779) p.a.

Fixed Term- 3.5 years. 1.0 FTE

About the role

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join an exciting research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC). MEMELAND involves a collaboration between the University of Oxford; The Arctic University, Tromsø (the coordinating institution); Paris Lodron Universität, Salzburg; the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Zurich; and Charles University, Prague

Based in the Institute at the University of Oxford, this project aims to transform our understanding of the impact of medieval farming on biodiversity by revealing plants and animals that are normally invisible in the archaeological record, allowing us to situate excavated remains within a wider ecosystem. Working in a team of environmental archaeologists supervised by Professor Helena Hamerow, the post holder will play a crucial role in supporting the wider academic mission of the research group. The post will enable the whole team to operate effectively to fulfil its requirements to the project’s funders, the School of Archaeology and to the University of Oxford.

About you

Applicants will have excellent palynological analysis and interpretation skills and be highly motivated and ambitious. The postholder will have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. They will be able to manage and prioritise a busy and varied academic workload and take a collaborative approach that fosters the development of professional and effective working relationships with key stakeholders. A demonstrated ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the collaborative group at internal and external meetings is a must.

Application process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to   hr@arch.ox.ac.uk

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement in pdf format and submit files as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Guidance on how to write a strong supporting statement can be found here.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Monday, 11 May 2026.

Only applications submitted through the University of Oxford e-recruitment system and received before the closing date can be considered.

We expect to hold interviews the week commencing the last week of May 2026.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined according to personal merit and the application of criteria related to the duties and conditions of the post. In all cases, the primary consideration will be the ability to perform the job.

As stated in the University’s Equality Policy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, our commitment to equality and diversity goes hand in hand with our commitment to academic freedom and free speech.